2003Shortland Street heartthrob Vinnie Kruse (Pua Magasiva) shows his serious side this week when he admits his true feelings for beautiful Shannon Te Ngaru (Amber Curreen). Vinnie is in love for the first time - and it will take more than Shannon's engagement to Tama Hudson (David Wikaira-Paul) to keep him from following his heart.
Actor Pua Magasiva says that his Vinnie's feelings for Shannon are a new experience for the fun-loving ladies' man. "Shannon's the first eyeopener, the first girl who's really caught his heart. He's really serious about her."
There's a lot at stake for Vinnie here. Pursuing a relationship with Shannon would not only destroy his friendship with Tama, but would jeopardise Vinnie's relationship with Nelson (Quinton Hita) who is not only Tama's cousin, but Vinnie's landlord.
Magasiva agrees, but says his alter ego's feelings are too strong to ignore. "There's nothing that will hold him back. He's so in love with her."
Ironically, it was Shannon's commitment to Tama that gave Vinnie the chance to develop strong feelings for her.
"The first time Vinnie met Shannon he knew that Tama and her were an item so he treated her more as a friend. I don't think things blossomed until he started hanging out with her. He found out who she was and about the baby she lost, and he saw her emotions and feelings. He's built this relationship by just spending time with Shannon and getting to know her."
With Shannon on the verge of marriage - to Tama - this love triangle can only end in heartbreak. Who will get the girl? Magasiva won't speculate on Shannon's feelings, but says Vinnie believes he and Shannon are meant to be together.
"He's fallen in love seriously for the first time and it means everything to him. He thinks it will last forever." So how far would Vinnie go to win Shannon's heart? "Further than you think!"
It's crunch time for Vinnie and Shannon this week on Shortland Street.